We need your help bringing to fruition a traditional Karen wedding in Huay Pakoot – a beautiful hill-tribe village in Northern Thailand. This will be an amazing celebration for our villagers to perform unique dance, song and ceremony, while giving GVI the opportunity to document such one-of-a-kind traditions. All funds will go directly to the village to help develop their community and preserve the fading Karen culture.

Furthermore, and perhaps more precious, a healthier Huay Pakoot community means healthier elephants. Support to this project will help the families return and keep their elephants home. Fortunately, home means a natural and peaceful habitat in the forest, and avoidance of working in circus shows, camps and street begging.

THE LONG STORY

Given unfortunate conditions of civil unrest, many Karen ethnic groups have been forced to resettle in different areas throughout Southeast Asia, and further in Western countries. Without the proper means to document and preserve their traditions, many are concerned their culture will disappear soon.

This wedding provides an ideal opportunity to display Karen culture at its finest, and document it as celebrations unfold.

*All livestock used in meals is provided in a humane and spiritual manner.

EVEN LONGER STORY (YOUR SUPPORT)

GVI volunteers will document the entire process, including: local food and cooking, hand-woven clothing, spiritual and ceremonial blessings, unique dancing and music. All content will be published and archived to preserve these precious Karen traditions.

For those who cannot physically join the celebration, we’ll bring the experience to you virtually with tons of published photos, video and translations.

Here’s how it will unfold:

The volunteers will secure permission from their families

They will then spend a week separated leading up to the ceremony

On the morning of the ceremony, villagers will sacrifice a pig to be prepared for a feast later in the day

While food is being prepped, the bride and groom will dress in the appropriate Karen clothing – all hand-woven by villagers of Huay Pakoot

The families then bless the couple with traditional sayings and string-bracelet tying

A brief ceremony is performed to marry the couple

A not-so-brief consumption of rice whiskey and delicious local food ensues

Traditional Karen dancing, music and celebration continues throughout the night''

...THIS STORY IS STILL GOING? (TRUST ME, THIS IS WHAT MATTERS)

Your support and donations will go even further than creating an unforgettable experience. All funds will go directly to the village and help with the following causes:

Preservation of the fading Karen culture: a once in a lifetime Karen wedding

Community development: further building of Huay Pakoot (crop fields, paved roads, recycling, etc.)

Elephant rescue and reintroduction: financial support for elephant-owning families.

Each individual goal above is important, and combined, they all support the greater cause of GVI and Huay Pakoot’s efforts to save elephants and build a strong, sustainable community.

BACKGROUND ON GVI

Living in natural, social herds in the forest has a tremendous impact on elephant's psychological health. It also provides them with a balanced diet and dramatically increases their life expectancy. No longer forced to work, these elephants will live longer and happier lives alongside their mahouts.

We plan to host a sustainable, population of elephants living naturally in the forest. Each new elephant that joins the rescued herd increases chances of long-term success for this growing population of elephants in the forest.

The homestay families (Root, Scion & Orichon) are all informing the entire village of the date -- 11/21 -- by mouth! There's no email, so it takes a little time.

Root is prepping the sacrificial pig (mainly selecting which one will work)

Scion & Orichon are starting to weave the traditional clothes for both bride & groom, as well as their best wo/man.

Elephant fun fact update:

Baby Wan Mai is getting HUGE...think two of Lebron James. He's also taking out some of his playfulness on our Mahout, Chewy Dee, by attempting to use him as a ladder. It's a sign of dominance as much as it is play, so Dee better watch out!

This is what food prep will look like for the feast!

This is a cute pic of lil babe Wan Mai

Add a Comment

Roxanne Saunders

Backed with $50.00 On Nov 19, 2015

Joe Diederich

Backed On Nov 13, 2015 Amount Hidden

Julie Scroggs

Backed On Nov 12, 2015 Amount Hidden

I am so excited for everything that you are doing!!! Lots of love to both of you.

Meera Chandramouli

Backed with $50.00 On Nov 12, 2015

Jordan and Karen, we love you. We are so happy for you. Have a great time and we can't wait to celebrate with you stateside!

Jeff and Courtney Trigilio

Backed with $200.00 On Nov 12, 2015

I've loved following your trip so far! Have a wonderful wedding!

Kahlee Andresen

Backed On Nov 12, 2015 Amount Hidden

Save the Karen culture!

Kristie Norris

Backed with $50.00 On Nov 12, 2015

Congrats!

Lisa Lin

Backed On Nov 11, 2015 Amount Hidden

Hope I'm not late to the party! Congrats bud! It's gonna be such an amazing celebration!

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Ok, we knew you were all amazing people...but WOW did you guys raise funds fast. We already hit our first goal for the wedding! We can not thank you enough. Now, additional dollars raised will go to A larger wedding -- meaning more villagers, food an…

The sites up...now help us make this happen!Here's what's happening in Huay Pakoot to prepare:The homestay families (Root, Scion & Orichon) are all informing the entire village of the date -- 11/21 -- by mouth! There's no email, so it takes a little …

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